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Chelsea versus Manchester City sounds like an important fixture. In most years, it would be. It already was, the reverse that is, earlier this season, and Chelsea's 3-0 defeat that day signaled the things that were to come. This match is likely to lack much of the same motivations and while it's scheduled for the prime Saturday early evening slot, it's anything but a marquee occasion at this point.
City are flying high (thanks to their Champions League exploits) and are involved in a dogfight for that coveted top 4 in the league. Chelsea are gliding low (thanks to our exploits throughout the season) and are involved in a whole lot of nothing. We've even resorted to playing the youth! Strange days.
We'll never know of course if Hiddink would've experimented as much as he has in the last couple games if the squad had been any healthier (we are top of the table! ... of injuries). Now that players are coming back, perhaps we'll find out. The likes of Gary Cahill, Nemanja Matic, and Willian could be back this weekend though without Chelsea ever revealing exactly what's kept them out recently, it's tough to know what to expect. Eden Hazard was confirmed to be back in training this week; I'd imagine he'll want to take part sooner rather than later, if for nothing else than to recover some match fitness ahead of the European Championships. John Terry, Loic Remy, and Kurt Zouma should continue to miss out. Diego Costa will be back from his three-match suspension.
Very little beyond some pride and perhaps a bit of Guardiola-trolling (i.e. imagine if City finish outside of the top 4!) serves as motivation in this one. Choose accordingly.